I paid $3200 of interest on student loans this year. The student loan is in my father's name. Can i deduct this on my return or will my father have to do this?

[Bsch4477]

You have to be liable for the loan so only your father can deduct the interest up to $2,500 even though you made the payments. 

[AlanT222 · Accepted solution]

You can claim the deduction if all of the following apply:

• You paid interest on a qualified student loan in tax year 2019.
• You can take the deduction as a student, or as a parent making payments on your dependent student’s loan. However, you or your spouse, if filing jointly, can't be claimed as dependents on someone else's return.
• You're legally obligated to pay interest on a qualified student loan.
• Your filing status isn't married filing separately.
• Your MAGI is less than a specified amount, which is set annually.

Since your father is legally obligated to pay the interest on the student loan, your father would be entitled to claim the interest deduction.